WATERVILLE – Rene Joseph “Roland” Dechaine passed away on March 13, 2025, at the age of 85 in Waterville. Roland was born on Dec. 16, 1939.

Roland was known for his easygoing and level-headed personality, often referred to as the animal whisperer for his exceptional love and care for animals. He was a dedicated caregiver, not only to his family but also to his numerous pets of all stripes, colors, and species.

He graduated from Waterville High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Thomas College. Roland proudly served in the Army from 1957-1960, followed by four years in the National Guard. He also contributed his accounting expertise to Pine State Trading for over eight years. His professional life was marked by his entrepreneurship, having owned and operated Winslow Convenience for 16 years.

Roland was a devout member of St. Johns in Winslow, where he actively participated in the community. His hobbies included being a board member for New Dimensions Credit Union, involvement in the Knights of Columbus, spending time at his camp in Smithfield on North Pond, boating, and traveling worldwide. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family and his beloved pets.

Roland is survived by his loving spouse of 62 years, Diane Dechaine; children, Rene Dechaine and his wife Sidni, Michelle Emery and her husband Bubba, and Bruce Dechaine and his wife Celeste. Roland was a cherished grandfather to Christopher and his wife Danielle, Tyler and his wife Devon, Brianna, Ryan and his wife Alison, Stephanie and her husband Brad, Danielle and her boyfriend Matthew, and Cassie along with her husband Stefan; his adored five great-grandchildren: Diamond, Daniel, Jaxson, Aria, and Kennedi. He also leaves behind his siblings Rose Paulette, David Deschaine, and Marty Deschaine and his wife Jane, along with his in-laws Pat and Bob Perry, and cherished in-laws Jan and Kevin Dyer as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and last but not least his favorite daughter Sunshine.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Rene and Anne, his sister Geraldine MacArthur, and brothers, Rodney Deschaine, and his in-laws, Richard Bernier, Peter Bernier, and Stephen Bernier.

Visitation will take place at Veilleux Funeral Home in Waterville on Wednesday March 19, from 4-7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Johns Parish in Winslow on Thursday March 20, at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at a later date.

The family expresses a sincere thank you to the team at Beacon Hospice and Mount Joseph for their dedicated care and support to Roland and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Pine Tree Society, St. Johns Parish,

or The Waterville Area Soup Kitchen.